When In Cold Blood was first published, critics had a hard time categorizing the book. Capote himself held that he had written a “nonfiction novel (Capote in Plimpton 1966: 2)” and that he had thereby created an altogether new genre. In the subtitle, Capote stresses his central claim regarding this new genre, assuring the reader that what she is about to delve into is “a true account of a multiple murder and its consequences (Capote 2000 [1966]).” As will be seen in the opening chapter, criticism of In Cold Blood has therefore to a great degree revolved around Capote’s and the book’s adherence to this assertion of truth. The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (SOED) lists as the three first entries under the head word “true”:
true /tru:/
1 Steadfast in allegiance, loyal; faithful, constant (…).
2 Honest, honourable, upright, virtuous; straightforward, sincere (…).
3 Of a statement, report, etc.: consistent with fact; conforming with reality (…).
The following investigation of In Cold Blood and of the biopic based on Capote’s work on the book, Bennett Miller’s Capote (2005), will proceed along the lines of these three aspects of the definition, questioning Capote’s claim of rendering a “true account.”
The genre chapter and large parts of the ensuing discussion of In Cold Blood will be especially concerned with the definition’s third aspect, In Cold Blood’s consistency with fact and its conformity with reality. The question will be raised as to whether or not a true account of real events is possible at all, and in what ways Capote and other writers of New Journalism, as the genre is most frequently called today, have tried to achieve such true accounts.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Genre
- 2.1 Capote's Literary Development toward the Nonfiction Novel
- 2.2 The Nonfiction Novel - an Altogether New Concept?
- 2.3 The Nonfictional in the NONFICTION Novel - a True Account?
- 2.4 The Novelistic in the Nonfiction NOVEL
- 3 Style
- 3.1 Structure
- 3.2 Language
- 4 Setting
- 4.1 The Rural Homestead
- 4.2 The Road
- 5 Character
- 5.1 Perry
- 5.2 Dick
- 5.3 The Clutter Family
- 6 In Cold Blood and the American Dream
- 6.1 The Portrayal of American Society in In Cold Blood
- 6.2 The American Dream
- 6.3 The American Nightmare in In Cold Blood
- 6.4 Society's Reaction – the Trial
- 7 In Cold Blood on Film
- 7.1 Miller's Biopic Capote
- 7.2 Capote's Two Sides
- 7.3 Capote and Perry
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper compares Truman Capote's nonfiction novel *In Cold Blood* and Bennett Miller's biopic *Capote*, analyzing Capote's claim of creating a "nonfiction novel"—a new genre—and examining the book's adherence to truth. The study investigates the narrative techniques, style, and portrayal of characters and settings within *In Cold Blood*, connecting them to broader themes of the American Dream and societal reactions to crime. The film adaptation is analyzed to understand Capote's personal struggles and his relationship with the key characters. * The definition and implications of the "nonfiction novel" genre. * Capote's narrative techniques in structuring and writing *In Cold Blood*. * The portrayal of the American Dream and its connection to both the Clutter family and the killers. * The contrasting settings of the rural homestead and the road as symbolic representations. * Capote's personal and professional challenges as depicted in Miller's film adaptation.Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central argument concerning the categorization of *In Cold Blood* as a "nonfiction novel," questioning the book's claim of presenting a "true account." It introduces the three aspects of the word "true" from the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary—allegiance, honesty, and factual accuracy—which frame the subsequent analysis of both the book and the film adaptation. The chapter previews the main areas of investigation, including genre, style, setting, character analysis, and the exploration of the American Dream as a central theme. The introduction also highlights the author's personal involvement in the narrative and its implication on the truthfulness of the story. 2 Genre: This chapter delves into the complexities of classifying *In Cold Blood* generically. It explores Capote's literary development leading to this innovative form, questioning whether it truly represents a new genre. The chapter dissects the interplay between factual accuracy and the novelistic elements within the text, exploring the challenges inherent in representing "truth" in a narrative format. The discussion investigates the characteristics of "New Journalism," to which the genre is often attributed, examining the methods used by Capote and others to achieve what they considered "true accounts" of real-life events. 3 Style: This chapter analyzes the stylistic choices employed by Capote in *In Cold Blood*, focusing on the structure and language of the narrative. The structure is examined in relation to its capacity to convey the story's themes and events. Similarly, an analysis of the language utilized reveals how Capote crafts a specific atmosphere and evokes emotions through word choice and narrative style, contributing to the overall impact and effect on the reader. The combination of structural and linguistic approaches enhances the comprehension of the style utilized. 4 Setting: This chapter explores the significance of setting in *In Cold Blood*, contrasting the Clutters' idyllic rural homestead with the open road. The analysis focuses on how these contrasting settings mirror the opposing lifestyles and destinies of the Clutter family and the killers, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. The road, often symbolizing freedom and opportunity in American culture, is presented ironically as a symbol of the killers' involuntary displacement and the limitations of their lives. The contrast highlights the clash between the American Dream and the reality of violence and despair. 5 Character: This chapter offers detailed analyses of the key characters in *In Cold Blood*: the Clutter family and the murderers Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. It investigates the individual motivations of the killers, and the analysis of the Clutters examines the family dynamic, questioning the apparent perfection of their lives. Particular attention is given to Nancy and Bonnie Clutter, exploring their personalities and the societal pressures they faced. The chapter utilizes animal and garden imagery as tools employed by Capote to reveal character traits and highlight certain aspects of their personalities. 6 In Cold Blood and the American Dream: This chapter examines the pervasive theme of the American Dream within the narrative of *In Cold Blood*. It analyzes how the pursuit of wealth and success acts as a driving force for both the Clutters and their murderers. The analysis explores how the contrasting realities of the American Dream lead to the tragic collision between these two groups. Capote's portrayal of the "truth" behind this idealized vision of American life and the disillusionment that arises from the pursuit is a focal point of the discussion. 7 In Cold Blood on Film: This chapter shifts focus to Bennett Miller's biopic *Capote*, examining how the film portrays Truman Capote and his creative process. It explores the two sides of Capote’s character: the author and the private man. The conflict between these two aspects of his personality is examined in relation to his interactions with Perry Smith and other characters, questioning his loyalty and honesty throughout the creative journey of writing the book. The chapter analyzes Capote's actions, assessing the extent to which he remains "true" to himself and others involved in the events depicted in his novel.Keywords
In Cold Blood, Truman Capote, Bennett Miller, Capote (film), nonfiction novel, New Journalism, American Dream, true crime, character analysis, narrative style, setting, Perry Smith, Dick Hickock, Clutter family, genre, literary development, truth, loyalty, honesty.
Frequently Asked Questions: In Cold Blood and Capote
What is the main focus of this analysis?
This academic paper analyzes Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" and Bennett Miller's film adaptation, "Capote." It examines Capote's concept of the "nonfiction novel," investigates the book's adherence to truth, and explores its narrative techniques, style, character portrayals, and setting. The analysis connects these elements to broader themes of the American Dream and societal reactions to crime.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The key themes include: the definition and implications of the "nonfiction novel" genre; Capote's narrative techniques in "In Cold Blood"; the portrayal of the American Dream and its connection to the Clutter family and the killers; the contrasting settings of the rural homestead and the road as symbolic representations; and Capote's personal and professional challenges as depicted in Miller's film adaptation.
What aspects of "In Cold Blood" are analyzed in detail?
The analysis delves into the book's genre, style (including structure and language), setting (contrasting the Clutter homestead and the open road), character analysis (of the Clutter family, Perry Smith, and Dick Hickock), and the exploration of the American Dream as a central theme.
How does the analysis approach the concept of "truth" in "In Cold Blood"?
The analysis examines the multiple meanings of "truth" – allegiance, honesty, and factual accuracy – as defined by the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. It investigates how these definitions apply to both the book and its film adaptation, considering the author's personal involvement and its impact on the story's veracity.
What is the role of the American Dream in the analysis?
The analysis explores the American Dream as a central theme, examining how its pursuit acts as a driving force for both the Clutter family and the killers. It analyzes the contrasting realities of this idealized vision and the disillusionment that arises from its pursuit, as portrayed by Capote.
How is Bennett Miller's film "Capote" incorporated into the analysis?
The analysis includes an examination of Miller's biopic, focusing on its portrayal of Truman Capote and his creative process. It explores the two sides of Capote's character (author and private man) and analyzes his interactions with Perry Smith and others, assessing his loyalty and honesty.
What are the key chapters and their respective focuses?
The analysis is structured into chapters covering: an introduction establishing the central argument; an examination of the genre and its complexities; an analysis of Capote's narrative style; an exploration of the symbolic significance of the setting; detailed character analyses; a discussion of "In Cold Blood" and the American Dream; and finally, an analysis of the film adaptation "Capote."
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include: In Cold Blood, Truman Capote, Bennett Miller, Capote (film), nonfiction novel, New Journalism, American Dream, true crime, character analysis, narrative style, setting, Perry Smith, Dick Hickock, Clutter family, genre, literary development, truth, loyalty, honesty.
- Quote paper
- Michael Helten (Author), 2008, Truman Capote’s Nonfiction Novel "In Cold Blood" and Bennett Miller’s Biopic "Capote", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/128448
